Former ambassador Maris Sangiampongsa is tipped to become new foreign minister, replacing Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, who resigned on “a matter of principle” after he was removed as deputy prime minister in a cabinet reshuffle over the weekend.
Maris’s last post, before his retirement from diplomatic service, was as the Thai ambassador to Canada. He has also served as ambassador to Australia, Fiji and Nepal and an advisor to Foreign Minister Parnpree.
Maris had a close working relationship with Thaksin Shinawatra when he was assigned by the Foreign Ministry to Government House, when Thaksin was prime minister over a decade ago.
In his recent “X” post, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin apologised to Parnpree for his removal as a deputy prime minister. He said that it is normal in every cabinet reshuffle that there are people who are either satisfied and dissatisfied with the shakeup adding, however, that he respects Parnpree’s decision to quit the cabinet.
He maintained that he has no personal conflict with Parnpree and the cabinet reshuffle was intended to improve the performance of the government as a whole.
The prime minister hinted that Parnpree’s successor will be a former diplomat.
While the new foreign minister is yet be formally appointed, the prime minister said that Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will also oversee the Foreign Ministry.
